Juneteenth
Most days of remembrance are fairly distant from the world of ethics and compliance. Some have historical significance or honor great people of history specifically. Some have a religious orientation, and we can connect the dots to religious discrimination or bias in the workplace. But not many days have the specific ability to link to ethics and the importance of aligning ethics and integrity like Juneteenth.
President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation declared the immorality of slavery as of January 1, 1863, and the 13th Amendment to the Constitution codified the illegality of slavery two years later. Yet, regardless of the law, regardless of the morality, there were still businesses in the United States that ignored both and slavery persisted.
That may be a history lesson for some folks. The 13th Amendment established the illegality of slavery but did not stop it in practice because some companies chose to ignore the law. In fact, some relocated to other jurisdictions where there was less or even no enforcement, principally Texas. It took the Union army, a full two months after Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, to ride into Galveston, Texas, and enforce emancipation once and for all. That day? June 19th, 1865.
Now, June 19th, which we celebrate as “Juneteenth,” honors the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday has been celebrated by African Americans since its origin, but the rise in racial justice efforts in recent years has greatly expanded its recognition and influence.
In the world of ethics, we develop policies that should support legal compliance, but also instill a moral structure to decision-making, demonstrating integrity. As we reflect on Juneteenth as a nation this week, let us remember that ethics and compliance is not just about checking the boxes to keep executives and board members on the right side of the law. It’s about making sure that our businesses are not just compliant, but also moral and decent.
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J Rollins is the co-founder and CEO of ETHIX360. J is a well known leader and innovator who has served on senior leadership teams ranging in responsibility from Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, SVP of Product Strategy and Chief Operating Officer.
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